PEBBLE BEACH (July 12, 2008) --An old-fashioned shootout has been set up for the final round of the NCGA Amateur Stroke Play Championship, with 12 players within three strokes of the lead.
Two players share that lead, at three-under-par 141, Cameron Rappleye of Valley Hi and NCGA Senior Champion Jeff Burda (right) of Del Rio. Burda is having a terrific year, winning the NCGA Senior by 10 strokes in early May, the Roddy Ranch Senior Four-Ball, the Sacramento County Senior, the Modesto City Senior and playing his way into the round of 16 at the California State Amateur in June. He finished third in this same event last year.
The Olympic Club’s Andrew Biggadike and Matt Marshall of La Rinconada are one stroke back. Marshall is a perennial contender in the Stroke Play, having finished third in 2006 and fourth a year ago. Other notables in contention include three-time NCGA Player of the Year Randy Haag and defending NCGA Amateur Match-Play champion Ryan Hallisey. Both players stand at even-par 144.
First-round leader Matthew Hollinshead’s second-round score worsened by 10 strokes over his strong opening 67, but the Wildhawk member is still very much a factor at three strokes back. Defending champion Casey Boyns posted a second consecutive 73 for a two-over 146 total.
The championship concludes with the final round tomorrow at 6,746-yard Poppy Hills. A total of 43 players made the cut which was limited to the top 40 scores and ties, that number coming in at 7-over-par 151.
NCGA Stroke Play: Burda/Rappleye tied
It should be an interesting final round, with 55-year-old Jeff Burda tied with 18-year-old Cameron Rappleye with one round left